After days of relentless heat, the people of Dhaka finally found relief on Tuesday afternoon as dark clouds gathered suddenly over the city skyline and brought a burst of rain that cooled down the air and lifted spirits.
The abrupt downpour, though brief in some areas, brought a significant drop in temperature and ended the suffocating dry spell that had gripped the capital for over a week. Streets that had been baking under the sun were quickly washed clean, while pedestrians and commuters welcomed the unexpected shift in weather.
"It felt like standing inside an oven these past few days. This rain is a blessing," said Mahfuz Alam, a street vendor in Mirpur, as he quickly covered his cart during the downpour.
Many parts of the city experienced moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds. While a few low-lying areas saw slight waterlogging, most residents expressed relief rather than frustration, as the cooler temperatures overshadowed any inconvenience.
Motorcyclists, pedestrians, and other commuters were seen taking shelter under the sheds of roadside shops and markets as the rain came down suddenly.
Meteorologists said the sudden rain resulted from a local weather system influenced by increased humidity and seasonal wind changes. While the rainfall may not signal a complete shift in weather patterns, it is expected to ease daytime heat for at least the next couple of days.
Public health officials noted that prolonged exposure to high temperatures had started affecting vulnerable groups, especially children and the elderly. The sudden rain is expected to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, at least temporarily.
As evening fell over the capital, many residents were seen enjoying the fresh, breezy air and wet roads, hopeful that more rain is on the horizon to finally mark the end of this heatwave.
